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Question: What roles do nongovernmental organizations, such 

 as professional societies, private foundations, or 

 various National Academies play in the development, 

 implementation, and funding of international science 

 programs? Should they or can they do more? 



Answer: Some nongovernmental organizations such as the 



National Academy of Sciences, play a very active role 



in government programs through oversight functions 



and in recommending policy for the nation. The 



National Academies also develop and implement their 



own international programs. While these are independent 



of the government, they often are carried out in part 



with Federal funds. 



Many professional societies have an international 

 arm that encourages or initiates cooperation among 

 individuals at the professional level. 

 Professional societies also play a very useful role 

 in networking and providing linkages between individuals 

 and organizations across national borders. The 

 contributions of nongovernmental organizations are 

 useful and welcomed. Professional societies in 

 particular can and should do more along these lines. 



